Citation

Beard J, Birden H. Aust. N. Zeal. J. Public Health 2004; 28(5): 415-417.

Affiliation

Northern Rivers University Department of Rural Health, University of Sydney and Southern Cross University, New South Wales

Copyright

(Copyright © 2004, Public Health Association of Australia, Publisher John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Objective: To critique current models of public involvement in the management of public health risks.


Methods: Two case studies are used to highlight the challenges of contemporary practice.


Results: Current models often result in affected communities having perceptions of risk that conflict with those responsible for risk management. This can lead to ineffective decision making.


Conclusions: Involving the public throughout the risk assessment and risk management process may lessen conflict and result in better decisions.


Implications: Those responsible for responding to public health risks should aim for transparent processes that highlight assumptions and uncertainties, and involve the public wherever possible.